Summer is the biggest time for family vacations. After all, entire movies revolve around the idea of parents whisking kids somewhere for an awesome trip, but ending in disaster. Some parents plan the whole thing out months in advance, which makes sense. It's hard to travel with kids, especially babies or toddlers, and being prepared is key. Even then, a vacation is often hardest on moms. In fact, we have a whole list with best vacation spots for families with toddlers. But while that is good, so is being more spontaneous. Sometimes one parent gets an unexpected weekend off or maybe there is no big vacation in the works and only a weekend trip is doable. Whatever the reason, it is easier than ever to just go somewhere, especially with Airbnb in the mix.
For those not familiar, Airbnb is a site that lists hotel rooms, homes, or apartments from everyday people that can be rented to everyday people. Renters need to pass a background check, but it can be a great way to go away on short notice. And one of the best parts about it? There's plenty of amazing last-minute options that are always available, anywhere. We took a look at some fun, family-friendly destinations and found open rentals that are still taking reservations now! Whether the plan is to stay local, embark on a road trip or go on a quick adventure, the country is full of fun places to see and kid-friendly things to do. There are theme parks and mountains and towns near the Great Lakes in the Midwest and yummy food and city life on the coasts. And the Airbnbs included below are not only near those attractions, but they're also family-friendly. Yes, mom and dad get their own room and kids get some surprises, too. So pick a place, get to booking, and pack the bags! Have fun!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
For families looking for a laid-back but fun adventure, Gatlinburg, Tennesses, is the place to be. It's near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Airbnb house itself is a private two-bedroom apartment.
Bella Villa- Country Cottage Suite ($146/night)
Tucson, Arizona
Eat endless Mexican food and explore downtown Tucson from this historic Arizona Airbnb. There's also open desert nearby for the most adventurous types.
1918 Adobe Home ($83/night)
Princess Anne, Maryland
Stay at a horse farm in Maryland thanks to this farmhouse Airbnb. Obviously there are animals, but there's a pool, too, for members of the family who want to swim. It's minutes to groceries and restaurants and 40 minutes to the beach.
Charming Farmhouse located on a Horse Farm ($175/night)
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Take in coastal South Carolina with an ocean view Airbnb. Myrtle Beach has a boardwalk, rides, and attractions for adults and kids.
Amazing Ocean view 1BR w Balcony ($126/night)
Bloomington, Minnesota
Get a taste of lake life by visiting Bloomington as the town is near Lake Bde Maka Ska and Late Harriet. According to the Airbnb's host, "this cottage is a true little slice of heaven, is child-friendly, has off street parking, & fishing and picnic supplies for you upon request."
The Sheridan Cottage ($95/night)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Enjoy the ranch life with a visit to this Albuquerque, New Mexico Airbnb, which has a hot tub in the ensuite bathroom. It's in the mountains for solitude, but also south of Sante Fe for a night out on the town.
Log cabin mountain retreat ($249/night)
Goshen, Connecticut
Goshen, Connecticut, is the place for a fun glamping experience. The area hosts flea markets on the weekends, and has lakes to kayak or swim in, and farms for fruit picking.
Gardens Galore and Village Whimsy Retreat ($119/night)
Williamsburg, Virginia
There's plenty to do with a family in Virginia, especially in the Williamsburg area. Explore the colonial history of the town with the kids but also carve out time to get on the rides at Busch Gardens theme park.
The Historic Powhatan Resort ($124/night)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Orlando is the most famous place for children in Florida, but for a weekend trip on a budget Fort Lauderdale can do the trick. It's near the beach and this Airbnb provides enough space (a huge backyard included) for the whole family.
Spacious little luxury retreat ($170/night)
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a cute getaway spot for a truly Southern weekend experience. It's also a kids haven: "The Spacious backyard features a grill and corn hole set. Three bedrooms, one being a 'game room' bedroom equipped with twin bunkbeds and even an xbox 360, perfect for kids!"
Roomy House Minutes from Downtown Clayton ($70/night)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is truly an underrated city and a great one to take the whole family. The food is great (especially for those who love fries), there's art to see, including the Andy Warhol museum, and sports to watch — the PNC Park just makes a beautiful place to see the city.
Impeccable Stay Alfred at The Venue ($84/night)
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Toward the middle of Pennsylvania is a gem of a place, and it's sure chocolatey. Stay in a comfy apartment that's close to the Hershey theme park and Chocolate World factory tour.
Comfy apt in daylight basement ($100/night)
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport makes a quaint destination for folks that love the water, especially if a family has a kid who loves boats, history, or both. Tour houses that were part of the underground railroad in addition to visiting shops along the marina. Plus, this Airbnb includes Netflix access.
New Apartment in Prime Location ($190/night)
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is the north star (or technically South Star, rather) of the Jersey Shore. It has fun attractions for the kids, a boardwalk, and a beautiful beach.
Cape May Luxury Suites ($499/night)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the city of Brotherly Love and also has good food and fun activities. Kids will love chowing down on the cheesesteaks and exploring the museums. The Please Touch Museum and Camden Aquarium across the river are favorites for both tourists and locals.
Artist's 2BD Loft Centrally Located MidtownVillage ($211/night)
Washington, D.C.
One can't go wrong with a vacation in the nation's capital. Everything is walkable and there are tons of museums. Staying in this luxury apartment is the city living icing on top of the cake.
Convention Center Luxury APT ($146/night)
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the place to go for history, beautiful architecture, and yummy barbecue. For the kids, they'll be in for some great mac and cheese. Plus there's fun horse and carriage tours around the city.
Spacious and Quiet One Block off King Street ($159/night)
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago was basically made for kids. There's Cubs baseball games, huge hot dogs, and a giant mirror "bean" to run under. This Airbnb room is at a place with a nice outdoor pool to boot.
Executive Quadruple Room ($125/night)
Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Poconos will keep the family busy all weekend long. There's camping and lakes, but there's also indoor water parks. This Aribnb is a play spot on its own with TVs, a pool, and game room.
Camelback Mountain funhouse ($137/night)
Anaheim, California
OK, so Anaheim, California, might not be everyone's idea of a vacation spot. But it's a no-brainer that it's the ideal place to be if a trip to Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm is in order.
Queen Kitchen Studio ($105/night)
Pin It!
Add this graphic to your Pinterest boards to save these 20 family-friendly airbnb for your vacations this weekend.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
